Columbia Felon Sentenced to Three Years for Carrying Pistols While Out on Bond

Contact Person: Jim May (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina -----United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that Raheem Fitzgerald Bethel, age 27, of Columbia, was sentenced today in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, to a term of imprisonment of 35 months in federal prison. On January 15, 2013, Bethel, a previously convicted felon who was on bond for attempted murder, was arrested by the Columbia Police Department with two pistols, one of which was stolen.  After being released again on bond, Bethel was arrested on September 14, 2013 in possession of another stolen pistol.  A federal Grand Jury subsequently indicted Bethel on February 5, 2014.  Senior United States District Judge Margaret B. Seymour sentenced Bethel to 35 months in prison.

This prosecution is part of the United States Attorney’s ongoing efforts with the Columbia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to identify and prosecute violent felons who possess firearms. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay N. Richardson.